Dieperink was selected to be a VAR official at the FIFA World Cup 2026 but was removed from FIFA\u2019s list of World Cup officials in May. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
His cause of death has not been disclosed. The Netherlands\u2019 football association said they were \u201cshocked and deeply saddened\u201d by Dieperink\u2019s death.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Dieperink. With Rob\u2019s passing, the football world has lost a highly regarded referee with international experience, but above all, we have lost a wonderful colleague.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who was dear to him. We wish them much strength and comfort as they come to terms with this great loss,\" the Dutch football association said in a statement. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
FIFA also expressed its condolences, \"\"On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace,\" it said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 38-year-old was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April following a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy, but the case was dropped because of a lack of evidence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After he was dropped by FIFA, Dieperink said he had been \u201cwrongly accused\u201d in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rob had been active as a referee in professional football since the 2011\/12 season. He took charge of his first Eredivisie match at the end of 2017. In total, he refereed 284 matches in professional football.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After he was dropped by FIFA, Dieperink said he had been \u201cwrongly accused\u201d in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
During the 2024 Europa League final between Atalanta Bergamo and Bayer Leverkusen, Rob served as an assistant VAR. In December 2024, he was appointed as a VAR for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n